Plush Travel Pillow with Elongated Arms

ABSTRACT

A plush travel pillow with elongated arms provides a plush backing with the upper ends of a pair of arms affixed to the lower front corners thereof. The overall size of the pillow may be reduced for use by children of various ages, or in the context of airline seats or other coach travel seats. The arms are preferably substantially elongated for the user&#39;s comfort and directed orthogonally to the front surface, as distinct from the more obliquely angled arms of a conventional arm pillow. The pillow may be provided with ornamental features resembling a popular cartoon character, zoo or farm animal, or other children&#39;s character, or some other shape of interest to children or adults.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/214,258, filed Sep. 4, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to travel accessories and in particular to a plush travel pillow with elongated arms. Travelers with children are all too often challenged by the need to keep the children quiet, help them rest, and avoid any disturbance for other passengers. Unfortunately, the noise, motion, and many other unfamiliar aspects of modern travel leaves children overstimulated and frequently apprehensive, even frightened.

A search of the prior art reveals various toys, games, and comfort items have been developed from time to time, but these only serve to keep the child distracted. Pillow chairs have also been developed, but these are generally free-standing and not suitable for travel. None are closely related to the present invention, but several include features which resemble those of the present invention. Each has proven to be less than satisfactory in its own way.

Bed lounge, U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,098 (filed Jul. 11, 1994), provides an ergonomic bed lounge which is made with a fabric slip-cover enclosing foam padding on a main structure. The main structure is formed from plastic sheet material to provide the required strength while keeping the weight ultra light: lighter than all-foam construction. Side arms are provided that can pivot inwardly for storage and outwardly for entry/exit, for providing different resting conditions and for comfortable accommodation of different-sized users. The side arms are each equipped with a convenient storage pocket. A lower back support pillow is removably contained in pockets provided in the slip cover in a manner that enables the user to locate and orient the back pillow for maximum support and comfort. An adjustable neck pillow with an elliptical cross-sectional shape can be adjusted in height and oriented for optimal neck support in terms of head position and attitude. An accessory lap desk is fitted with a padded underside pouch by which it may be supported on the user's legs to provide a writing surface on the top side. The lap desk contains a storage compartment that is accessible through a top cover that forms the writing surface.

Child's chair, U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,573 (filed Mar. 23, 1989), provides a child chair which includes a cushioned character and a frame for supporting it upright, with a child leaning against the cushioned character. The character has a body with upper and lower pairs of limbs connected thereto, and a seat pad connected between the lower limbs and capable of resting on a support surface when the body is disposed upright. The frame has a rigid skeletal member and an anchor member. The rigid member is composed of base and upright portions disposed within the character body. The base portion can assume a resting position on the support surface and the upright portion rigidly connected and extending in a generally transverse relation to the base portion can support the character body upright when the base position is in its resting position. The anchor member is attached to the rigid member along the base portion thereof and extends forwardly within the seat pad to receive the weight of a child seated on the seat pad and leaning against the cushioned body for anchoring and stabilizing the rigid member in a stationary position upon the support surface with its base portion in the resting position capable of resisting backward tilting of the rigid member due to backward leaning of the child against the cushioned body and the upright portion.

Stuffed figure chair, U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,118 (filed Jul. 21, 1993), provides a stuffed figure chair including a cushioned figure, a removable seat, and a mechanism for removably fastening the removable seat to the cushioned figure. The cushioned figure includes a torso connected to a pair of lower limbs. Separate strap receiving members or loops are part of the fastening mechanism and are attached to the stuffed figure at each of the lower limbs, and preferably also the torso. The removable seat is structured to be received between the lower limbs of the cushioned figure. Strap elements attached to the removable seat are engageable with the strap receiving members on the figure to secure the removable seat to the cushioned figure. Because the connections between the torso and limbs are sufficiently inflexible so as to provide a resistance to pivotal motion of the torso relative to the limbs, an occupant of the seat fastened to the cushioned figure can lean back against and be supported by the figure torso. By unfastening the strap elements from the strap receiving members, the seat can be removed from the cushioned figure to allow the figure to be used as a toy.

SkyRest Child+travel pillow, U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. No. 20100180382 (priority Jan. 21, 2001), provides a travel pillow designed specifically for commercial airline travel. The unique feature of this travel pillow is that it is designed to provide support for the legs of children and adults. It essentially allows a child to stretch out their legs directly out front and horizontal to their seat so there is no need to lie across accompanied travelers. The pillow's shape is roughly a rectangular cube, when inflated to its maximum level it measures 12″ by 18″ by 18″, the pillow is firm but soft and sized and shaped to fit the leg room area in front of an airplane seat.

Multi-purpose pillow with attached blanket, U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,001 (filed Jun. 18, 2007), provides a multi-purpose pillow with attached blanket. The pillow comprises a body with one or more inwardly-turned arms. One edge of the blanket is attached to the pillow, and a pouch is formed in the pillow so that blanket is stowable inside. A pocket may be included for holding an MP3 player or other accessory. A flap wraps around the body to cover the pouch opening and the accessory pocket when the blanket is stowed. In its preferred embodiment, the pillow provides a convenient infant support pillow with a blanket that may be deployed beneath the pillow to provide a clean playing, napping or changing area or to spread over or wrap around the infant. This pillow also is a handy travel pillow for toddlers through adults, one of the arms serving as a head and neck cushion, while the body supports an MP3 player in a convenient position.

Travel pillow for arm securement, U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. No. 2013/0117939 (priority Nov. 16, 2011), provides a travel pillow device that may be secured to any of a user's limbs. The device comprises a pillow with an elastic securing strap extending from a one side seam, across the back of the pillow, to a second side seam. The securing strap may be uniform and continuous or may be separated into two parts that are secured together by fasteners. The securing strap facilitates removable securement of the pillow to a user's hand, arm, foot, or leg. The head of the user or another person, such as a child can then be leaned on the pillow. Alternatively, the pillow can be secured to a hand or foot and used to support another limb, possibly an injured one. The travel pillow is thus a versatile and freely positionable comfort and therapy device that can be used in a variety of locations and environments.

The prior art inventions either provide a free-standing device which is not suitable for travel, or incorporate some feature or features which may prevent a small child from becoming comfortable and resting quietly. If the child can be encouraged to rest quietly or even fall asleep, whatever item enables this process would be very well received by parents. A plush travel pillow with elongated arms, which is available in a broad range of sizes for children of different ages, is designed to fit into the passenger seat of an airliner, passenger train, bus or similar conveyance, and is manufactured in the likeness of a popular cartoon character, zoo or farm animal, or other children's character, would resolve this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a plush travel pillow with elongated arms. The travel pillow provides a plush backing with the upper ends of a pair of arms affixed to the lower front corners thereof. The overall size of the pillow may be reduced for use by children of various ages, or in the context of airline seats or other coach travel seats. The arms are preferably substantially elongated for the user's comfort and directed orthogonally to the front surface, as distinct from the more obliquely angled arms of a conventional arm pillow. The pillow may be provided with ornamental features resembling a popular cartoon character, zoo or farm animal, or other children's character, or some other shape of interest to children or adults.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a detailed front view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the pillow 10, the arms 11, the head 12, the eyes 13, and the snout 14.

FIG. 2 is a simplified front view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the pillow 10, and the arms 11.

FIG. 3 is a simplified side view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the pillow 10, and an arm 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to plush travel pillow 10 with elongated arms 11.

It is to be understood that while the invention is intended for use by travelers for resting purposes, this is not intended as a limitation. With suitable modifications or with no modifications at all, the invention may be used in many other situations, such as in a long term care facility or a home care situation, for patients who may have difficulty sitting in an upright position.

The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a travel pillow 10, which is similar in structure and function to a conventional arm pillow, with the following modifications. The pillow 10 provides a plush backing 20, with the upper ends 11A of a pair of arms 11 affixed to the lower front corners 20A of the plush backing 20. The overall size of the pillow 10 may be reduced for use by users of various ages, or in the context of airline seats or other coach travel seats.

The arms 11 are preferably substantially elongated for the user's comfort and directed orthogonally to the front surface 21, as distinct from the more obliquely angled arms of a conventional arm pillow. The orthogonally directed arms 11 being at a perpendicular angle 30 to the front surface 21. The pillow 10 may have a plain fabric cover, or it may be provided with a head 12 and other ornamental features which resemble a popular animated character, zoo or farm animal, or other children's character, or some other shape of interest to children. Licensing of a copyrighted or trademarked animated character, which provides an image or likeness which is substantially duplicated in the ornamental features of the pillow 10 and arms 11, may be developed as a business method.

The structure of the first exemplary embodiment provides a pillow 10 which is stuffed with a soft, flexible, durable material, such as foam rubber. The pillow 10 provides a plush back 20 and two elongated arms 11. The plush back 20 provides a back surface 22 which is angled such that it may rest against the wall or window of a commercial airliner, train, or bus. The stuffing 40 is preferably removable in three pieces and the cover 41 is preferably machine washable, closing with a zipper 42 on the bottom surface 43. The pillow 10 is soft and may be easily shaped by the user into a very comfortable, concave shape to cradle the user's head, torso, and arms. Any ornamental features which are hard, such as eyes 13, are preferably provided on the outer perimeter of the pillow 10, outside of the area which would be ordinarily rendered concave by the user. Any ornamental features which protrude, such as a snout 14, are preferably provided on the outer perimeter or are completely collapsible. Additionally, the pillow 10 may provide a compact case for storage and transport. The pillow 10 may be easily compressed and stored in the case.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may place the pillow 10 on a seat in a commercial airliner, a seat on a passenger train or bus, or some other coach travel seat. The user may configure the pillow 10 and arms 11 in any manner which would make the user more comfortable, such as rendering a large concavity on the front surface of the pillow 10 to accommodate the user's head and torso. The user may then sit on the seat, lean back on the pillow 10, and fasten the seat belt as may be applicable.

The pillow 10 and the arms 11 are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material which is comfortable and machine washable, such as plush cotton ort cotton-rayon blend fabric, stuffed with a removable stuffing which is preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as a thin layer of memory foam covering a polystyrene or bean bag filler. The eyes 12 are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as plastic or acrylic polymer. The zipper is preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material which is corrosion resistant, such as stainless steel, brass, or aluminum alloy.

Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A plush travel pillow with elongated arms, comprising: a pillow; providing a plush backing and two elongated arms; said two elongated arms each having an upper end affixed to a lower front corner of said plush backing; said two elongated arms being orthogonally affixed to a front surface of said plush backing; and a rear surface of said plush backing being angled such that it rests flatly against a wall or window of a commercial travel vehicle.
 2. The plush travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the size of the pillow is reduced such that the pillow is appropriately sized for children or young adults.
 3. The plush travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the arms are not obliquely angled from said plush backing.
 4. The plush travel pillow of claim 1, further providing a cover; wherein said pillow acts as stuffing to fill said cover; and said cover is closed with a zipper on a bottom surface of the cover.
 5. The plush travel pillow of claim 4, wherein said cover is made of a plane fabric.
 6. The plush travel pillow of claim 4, wherein said cover is provided with a head and other ornamental features which resemble a popular animated character, zoo or farm animal, or other children's character, or some other shape of interest to children.
 7. The plush travel pillow of claim 6, wherein licensing of a copyrighted or trademarked animated character, which provides an image or likeness which is substantially duplicated in the ornamental features of the pillow and arms.
 8. The plush travel pillow of claim 4, wherein the pillow is manufactured from a soft, flexible, durable material, such as foam rubber.
 9. The plush travel pillow of claim 4, wherein said stuffing is provided in three pieces such that the plush backing and two arms are separately removed from said cover.
 10. The plush travel pillow of claim 4, wherein the cover is machine washable.
 11. The plush travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow is soft and may be easily shaped by a user into a very comfortable, concave shape to cradle the user's head, torso, and arms.
 12. The plush travel pillow of claim 6, wherein the ornamental features which are hard, such as eyes, are provided on the outer perimeter of the pillow, outside of the area which would be ordinarily rendered concave by the user.
 13. The plush travel pillow of claim 6, wherein the ornamental features which protrude, such as a snout, are provided on an outer perimeter or are completely collapsible.
 14. The plush travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow may provide a compact case for storage and transport, such that the pillow may be easily compressed and stored in the case. 